STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: Sarah Ford

Shaped by witnessing the aftermath of environmental catastrophes and her studies in public health, fourth-year environmental health major SARAH FORD has found a path and passion advocating for health equity and environmental justice.

DEGREE OBJECTIVE: B.S. in Environmental Health

EXPECTED GRADUATION: May 2021

HOMETOWN: Watkinsville, GA

WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO A DEGREE AND/OR CERTIFICATE IN PUBLIC HEALTH?

When I first entered college, my plan was to become a doctor. I love science and wanted to help people, but after I started taking classes at Georgia, I realized there were many career options that would allow me to do what I wanted to do. I found that the College of Public Health would afford me many different career options and opportunities to help people throughout the world.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO CONCENTRATE IN ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH?

I remember being in Gulf Shores shortly after the BP oil spill. I saw the workers in hazmat suits, saw the oil being cleaned off the birds, saw the dead marine life and the oil-coated sand. I have been going there since I was a baby, and it broke my heart to see such destruction to the environment. I didn’t know it then, but I think that event really shaped the course of my educational path. While I have been at UGA, I have learned more about the environment and about the disproportionate amounts of toxins being released in minority and low socio-economic communities. During my sophomore year, I changed my major course of study from Biology to Environmental Health and I haven’t regretted the decision at all.

WHAT DID YOU DO FOR YOUR INTERNSHIP?

My internship was with the Department of Health in Daytona Beach, Florida (Volusia County). I was fortunate enough to be able to do a wide array of things while I was there. I conducted ocean and pool sampling and testing, shadowed biomedical waste and mobile home park inspections, conducted COVID-19 screening, and participated in a school meeting that focused on how to effectively follow CDC guidelines with regards to reopening. One of my assigned responsibilities was to assist the Environmental Health Department with COVID-19 functions at testing sites and the call center. Requirements for this duty included questioning people to establish case history, obtaining contact information, and explaining information and recommendations regarding isolation and quarantine parameters.

WHAT ACTIVITIES/ACHIEVEMENTS/AWARDS DURING YOUR TIME HERE ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

When I came to UGA, my family was living overseas. I knew it would be a challenge to attend school in Georgia while my family lived in Germany, and I am proud that I didn’t let fear keep me from pursuing my goal to attend UGA. I obtained a part-time job, made friends, and attended all of the Bulldog home games. Throughout my time at UGA, I have maintained the Zell Scholarship for Academic Achievement and, during my junior year, I was on the Dean’s List. Quite honestly, I am most proud to have been selected as an exceptional student in CPH.

HOW HAS THE CURRENT PANDEMIC IMPACTED YOUR EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE AT UGA AND CPH? WHAT INSIGHTS HAVE YOU GAINED A PUBLIC HEALTH STUDENT?

I think everyone would agree, the current pandemic has certainly altered the educational experience at UGA and CPH. If someone would have asked me a year ago if I would want to attend all online classes, I would have said absolutely. I never thought I would want to attend all of my classes in person, especially my morning classes. But I was wrong. I did not realize how much I liked the interaction until suddenly interaction becomes an issue. With that being said, the pandemic has allowed me to realize how much of an impact public health has in addressing safety. During my internship, I was able to help with things like COVID testing and I was able to go to the schools and assist with preparations for reopening. These are things I would otherwise not have been able to do.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS AFTER GRADUATION? HAS THE PANDEMIC SHIFTED YOUR CAREER GOALS?

After graduation I want to attend law school. I am extremely committed to working with the environment and hope to have a long-term career promoting environmental justice. The pandemic has highlighted the inequities that are present in our society and I hope to be one of the individuals to advocate for the rights of those who are being negatively affected.